【2026 DisplayPort Buying Guide】How to choose DisplayPort | Precautions| Recommendations 2026-02-26 In today's digital age, the demand for connecting various displays and video devices is continuously increasing. DisplayPort, as a high-performance display interface, is becoming increasingly popular in the market. This article will provide the latest DisplayPort purchase guide for 2023, detailing important considerations, speed levels, common questions, and recommended products to help you easily choose the right DisplayPort for your needs. What is DisplayPort? DisplayPort (abbreviated as DP) is a digital display interface standard used for connecting video sources (such as computers, laptops, gaming consoles, etc.) to display devices (like monitors, HDTVs, etc.). It was launched by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) in 2006 to replace traditional display interfaces like VGA, DVI, and HDMI. DisplayPort features high transmission rates, multi-screen parallel support, and audio-video synchronization. Its performance and capabilities continue to improve with version updates. There are two main types of DisplayPort connections: standard and mini. The smaller Mini DisplayPort can transmit the same signals as the standard DisplayPort. It has an L-shaped connector and supports various functionalities. DisplayPort Speed Levels DisplayPort speed levels are divided into four versions: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, and 2.0, each with different transmission rates and features. Here are the main characteristics of each version: DisplayPort 1.1 Max supported resolution: 2560 x 1600 Max transmission rate: 8.64 Gbps Supports HDCP protection DisplayPort 1.2 Max supported resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 60Hz Max transmission rate: 17.28 Gbps Supports HDCP 2.2 protection Supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for connecting multiple displays Supports stereoscopic 3D display DisplayPort 1.4 Max supported resolution: 5120 x 2800 (5K) @ 60Hz, or 7680 x 4320 (8K) @ 30Hz Extra supported resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 120Hz Max transmission rate: 25.92 Gbps Supports HDR10 specifications Supports Display Stream Compression (DSC) lossless compression technology DisplayPort 2.0 Max supported resolution: 7680 x 4320 (8K) @ 60Hz, or 10240 x 4320 (10K) @ 60Hz Extra supported resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K) @ 240Hz, or 5120 x 2800 (5K) @ 200Hz Max transmission rate: 77.4 Gbps Supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision specifications Supports VESA DisplayHDR standards Supports USB Type-C Alt Mode, allowing DisplayPort signals to be transmitted via USB Type-C interfaces The latest DisplayPort 2.1 replaces DisplayPort 2.0, enhancing compatibility with USB Type-C and USB4 PHY specifications, and adding new bandwidth management features. Considerations When Purchasing DisplayPort When purchasing a DisplayPort, consider the following: Ensure Your Device Supports DisplayPort Some display devices may only support HDMI or other interfaces. Before purchasing, confirm that your device has a DisplayPort. Choose the Appropriate Version Based on Your Needs If you only need basic video transmission, the 1.1 version will suffice. For 4K displays or multiple monitors, consider versions 1.2 or higher. Bandwidth Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted per second. Higher bandwidth enables higher resolutions and refresh rates. For most users, a DisplayPort cable with 17.28 Gbps (max for 1.2) is sufficient, but higher bandwidth is needed for high refresh rates or resolutions. Length and Material Choosing the right length and high-quality materials ensures good signal transmission and durability. Longer cables may cause signal degradation, so choose appropriately. Verify Product Certification Opt for VESA-certified DisplayPort products, which usually carry the VESA Certified logo, ensuring high quality and compatibility. Common Questions What is the Difference Between DisplayPort and HDMI? Both are digital display interfaces, but they differ in transmission rates, resolution support, and audio-video synchronization. DisplayPort typically offers higher transmission rates and supports multiple displays, while HDMI is more widely used for home entertainment. Do I Need Additional Adapters to Use DisplayPort? If your device supports DisplayPort, no adapter is needed. However, if you need to convert DisplayPort signals to other interfaces (like HDMI), an appropriate adapter is required. Do All DisplayPort Cables Support 4K Resolution? No, only DisplayPort 1.2 and higher support 4K resolution. Ensure you choose the right version based on your needs. Recommended DisplayPort Products Unitek 8K Ultra High-Speed DisplayPort 1.4 Cable (2m / 6.6ft) #C1624bK-2M Supports Display Stream Compression (DSC), Dynamic HDR metadata, and provides up to 240Hz refresh rates for an immersive gaming experience. Unitek DisplayPort Cable (1.5m / 5ft) (DisplayPort 1.2) #Y-C607bK Connects DisplayPort source devices to DisplayPort displays, supporting 4K resolution and offering EMI and RFI protection. Aten DisplayPort Cable (2m / 6.6ft) (DisplayPort 1.4) #2L-7D02DP Supports up to 32.4 Gbps data transmission, 8K dynamic HDR, and MST functionality for connecting multiple displays.
